POTTS TRIES TO FOLLOW QB SUCCESSION

In just his third collegiate start, Texas Tech quarterback Taylor Potts will be facing the nation's No. 2 team on the road ... at night ... in front of national TV ... with ESPN's College GameDay in the house.

That's all. No pressure, really.

For those worried how Potts will survive Royal-Memorial Stadium and more than 100,000 stoked Texas fans wanting payback, his high school coach says Potts will be just fine.

"I've known him for a long time," Abilene High coach Steve Warren said. "I don't think these surroundings are going to bother him. He's a take-charge guy, and I think his focus will be just right. I know there will be a lot of things going on, but I'm confident he can handle it."

While Potts' first two college starts have come against overwhelmed competition at friendly Jones AT&T Stadium, he has mixed experience in charged atmospheres.

Call it the learning curve of the Texas high school quarterback, with two major playoff showdowns.

Back in 2004, as a junior, Potts led Abilene against Southlake Carroll, at the peak of its dynasty with quarterback Chase Daniel. Almost 35,000 fans watched the showdown at Texas Stadium, with Abilene pushing Carroll before losing, 35-30.

Of course, the next season wasn't quite a ringing endorsement. In a matchup of Tech commitments at the time, current Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy led Carroll to a 52-0 win over Abilene and Potts before 33,000 at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco.

So far this season, everything has fallen into place as Potts has replaced Graham Harrell after three years of watching and learning.

Potts experienced predictable nervousness in his initial start against North Dakota, with 405 yards and two touchdown passes offsetting three interceptions.

Against Rice, he was near-perfect, especially in the second half, throwing for 456 yards and seven touchdowns.

Potts looks like another success as Tech coach Mike Leach replaces one record-setter with another.

"He's the same guy. Just change the numbers. They all have confidence," Texas coach Mack Brown said, crediting Leach.

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Story courtesy of www.dallasnews.com